The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has
arraigned Anamekwe Nwabuoku, a former acting accountant-general of the
federation (AGF), over N1.96 billion in money laundering allegations.
In July 2024, the EFCC brought Nwabuoku and Felix Nweke, a
former deputy director in the Ministry of Defence, before a federal high court
in Abuja.
However, the arraignment was suspended after the defendants opted for a plea bargain in October 2024 and appealed to the court to give them more time to refund what they were accused of stealing.
At the court session on Wednesday, Martha Babatunde, counsel
to the EFCC, asked that the amended charge be read to Nwabuoku.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the nine-count charge.
Although the prosecution opposed the oral bail application,
James Omotosho, the presiding judge, granted Nwabuoku bail in the sum of N500
million with two sureties in like sum.
In addition, Omotosho ordered that the sureties must own landed properties within Abuja, adding that the value of the properties should be at least N250 million each.
The judge also said the sureties must sign an
affidavit of means and submit their bank statements and tax clearance for three
years, all of which would be verified by the court’s registrar.
The matter has been adjourned for the commencement of the trial
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